The short version
Four sites, each with its own character
Pâclele Mari
An almost circular clay plateau of some 22 hectares, largely bare of vegetation and crossed by dozens of cones. The main cone is considered the largest mud volcano in Europe. Declared a natural monument in 1924 and a protected reserve since 1955. The last one to two kilometres of road can be rough. There are two car parks — one with a small fee at the entrance, one free below.
Pâclele Mici
Lower cones, but far more of them, covering almost the whole plateau — a volcanic field in miniature. From the car park at Camping Muddyland a cobbled path, the Alley of the Volcanoes, climbs about 500 metres in fifteen to twenty minutes, with interpretation panels along the way. This is the one to see at sunset.
Fierbătorile de la Berca
Two small plateaus among wooded hills about two kilometres above Berca, in an area where oil installations still work. Craters of constantly boiling mud, sometimes with crude oil on the surface. Between the two plateaus lies a small labyrinth of ravines; reaching the second on foot is a scramble, not advisable with children or after rain — it is easier to drive back down and take the road to the upper plateau. The phone signal is weak, so go with someone.
Vulcanii Noroioși de la Beciu
Less than a hectare, in an isolated glen near Beciu village in Scorțoasa commune. Here the volcanoes are pools rather than cones, and the eruption is vigorous enough to bring crude oil to the surface. The contrast between the green meadow and the black boiling mud is the reason to make the effort. After rain, leave the car in the village and walk the last section.
Getting there
- From Buzău — DN10 north to Berca, about 20 km, then follow the signs to Pâclele. At the last fork, left for Pâclele Mari, right for Pâclele Mici.
- From Bucharest — A2 and DN2 to Buzău, then as above. Around two and a quarter hours in all.
- From Brașov — DN10 down the Buzău valley, roughly two and a half hours.
- There is no public transport to any of the four sites. Car, taxi or bicycle.
Worth knowing before you go
- Check the forecast. Dry mud is a crust you can walk on; wet mud is not, and the site can close.
- Wear shoes you do not mind ruining. The grey dust finds its way into everything.
- There is no shade at all on the plateaus. Hat, water, sunscreen.
- Keep back from the active craters — the edges give way and the mud can splash.
- Do not take mud or crust home. It is a protected reserve.
- Dogs on a lead are fine on the plateaus.
Common questions
Stay at the Manor and explore Buzău Land
